If you are buying a motorbike second hand you have to be careful and know what to look for to ensure you are paying for a fair amount for the standard of the bike for sale. If you can take someone who has a good working knowledge of bikes this would be ideal. There are quite a few things to check to ensure the bike is not only roadworthy but in good condition.
Here is the check list you should follow, the buying check list to ensure the bike is in good shape and isn't going to pack in sometime soon or cost you extra to source motorbike parts or pay for repairs.
The frame is a good place to start, have a good look around for any sign of frame damage, and check if the wheels are correctly aligned as well as the centre or sidestand. Ask to start up the bike and examine the electrics. Give the lights, indicators, horn, gear switch and fuel pump. Once the bike has been running for a minute make sure it is running smoothly and without leaks (that is oil, water or fuel). The bearings, spokes and trueness need to be checked on both wheels as does the suspension. For the front suspension ensure that it is correctly aligned in the yokes and examine the fork seals. The rear suspension should be checked for leaks as well as wear and signs of seizure.
Take time to look at the battery level and the condition and check for leaks in the exhaust and ensure it's a legal motorbike part that has been fitted. Other items to check are the tyres, the condition of them and the tread depth. When you go out for a test drive take notice of the steering, the steering stops and any damper that may be fitted and of course the general performance such as smooth gear changing.
Finally it's very important to check the documentation for the bike; it's recommended you only buy a bike that has an MOT in the last year and a V5 log book. Giving a bike a full inspection will ensure you don't get suckered into buying a turkey of a motorbike, coughing up a fortune in repairs and paying for new motorcycle parts. Having a good idea of the condition of the bike also means you can negotiate better on price.
by Bill T James
About the Author
Bill James has been working in the advertising industry for over 15 years. He enjoys writing about property renting, particularly in the London area. He recently wrote a guide on the best approach for looking for flats to rent .
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